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Transferring niche genre playlists from SoundCloud to mainstream platforms

How to handle remixes, live sets, and DJ mixes that may not appear on Spotify, Apple Music, or Tidal.

17/12/2024

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A Creative Illustration Depicting The Transfer Of Niche Genre Playlists From Soundcloud To Mainstream Streaming Platforms Like Spotify And Apple M — A creative illustration depicting the transfer of niche genre playlists from SoundCloud to mainstream streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple M

SoundCloud is a haven for niche genres, DJ sets, and unofficial remixes that often can’t be found on mainstream platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, or Tidal. If you’re looking to transfer your SoundCloud playlists to one of these services, there are unique challenges to consider. Here’s how to navigate the move while keeping as much of your collection intact as possible.

Step 1: Identify Tracks That May Be Unavailable

Unlike mainstream services, SoundCloud allows user-generated content, including unofficial mixes, mashups, and live DJ sets. When transferring playlists:

Flag Non-Commercial Tracks: Many of these won’t appear on Spotify or Apple Music due to copyright restrictions.
Create a Backup: Use a tool like Soundiiz or FreeYourMusic to export your playlist to a CSV file. This ensures you have a record of the missing tracks.

Step 2: Use a Playlist Transfer Tool

Tools like TuneMyMusic and Soundiiz can move playlists from SoundCloud to mainstream services, but note that they rely on matching tracks by title and artist name. Expect gaps where user-uploaded content isn’t available.

Step 3: Find Alternatives to Missing Tracks

For remixes, live sets, or DJ mixes that don’t transfer, consider the following:

Search for Official Releases: Some remixes or live sets may have been officially published on mainstream platforms. Search for these versions manually.
Explore Similar Artists: Use the “Add Similar Songs” feature on platforms like Spotify or Apple Music to find alternative tracks that match the vibe.
Rebuild with Commercial Mixes: Platforms like Tidal and Apple Music offer curated DJ sets or genre-focused playlists that can act as substitutes.

Step 4: Supplement with SoundCloud Retention

If your playlists heavily rely on SoundCloud-exclusive content:

Keep SoundCloud as a Supplementary Service: Use it alongside the new platform for mixes or remixes that can’t be replicated.
Reorganize Playlists: Split playlists into “official content” on Spotify/Apple Music and “exclusive SoundCloud mixes” to keep things tidy.

Step 5: Adapt to the Mainstream Platforms

Mainstream platforms often lack SoundCloud’s niche DJ culture but offer curated tools to help you adapt:

Spotify’s Discover Weekly and Release Radar: Use these tools to find similar remixes or underground artists.
Apple Music’s DJ Sets: Explore official mixes, especially in electronic and hip-hop genres.
Tidal’s Mixes: Browse Tidal’s curated DJ collections for hi-res alternatives.

Pro Tips for Managing Niche Transfers

Manual Re-Additions: Some user-uploaded content on SoundCloud can be downloaded. Consider re-adding it manually where your platform allows.
Explore Third-Party Recommendations: Tools like Soundiiz sometimes recommend “closest match” tracks to fill gaps.
Save Offline Files: Keep backup downloads of rare tracks in case they can’t be found on streaming platforms.

Bridging the Gap Between Platforms

Moving niche genre playlists requires a combination of automation and manual curation. While mainstream platforms may lack SoundCloud’s unique underground appeal, they offer plenty of tools to help you rediscover the essence of your playlists with fresh alternatives.